Comeback: Richard Carpenter is planning to revive his career after years away from the spotlight

Legendary pop star Richard Capenter, 62, is planning a comeback.

The musician best known as one-half of '70s group The Carpenters spent his birthday in Japan today where he is attempting to revive his career after years away from the spotlight.

He said: 'Our first big success here was Superstar in 1971. Ever since then, once they like you they like you, I'm honoured.'

His career comeback - dubbed 'Richard Carpenter Strikes Back - includes the re-release of a Carpenters Christmas album and a tribute album featuring cover versions of Carpenters songs.

Carpenter unveiled his plans for the first time at a luncheon for The Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan accompanied by his daughter Mindy.

'The worst thing in my life was losing my sister,' Carpenter said, adding: 'Karen was my number one supporter.'

Karen Carpenter suffered from complications relating to anorexia nervosa at the age of 32, in 1983.

Carpenter said he is ready to make a comeback but feels music has changed.

'It's a different business. Music is a different world from when Karen and I were signed by Herb Alpert in 1969,' he said. 'But I feel I have some talent.'

Carpenter said he would help to produce and perform on a tribute album of Carpenter covers due out late next year, then on the Christmas album and finally a solo collection of largely original material.

Carpenter, pictured with his sister Karen in their '70s heyday, unveiled his comeback plans at a luncheon for The Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan